Zheng Quan Ri Bao Zhi Sheng·2025-09-22 16:13Core Viewpoint - The packaging paper industry is experiencing a series of price increases driven by high raw material costs, particularly waste paper, and a combination of supply constraints and seasonal demand factors [1][2][3]. Group 1: Price Increases and Market Dynamics - Major players in the packaging paper industry, such as Nine Dragons Paper Holdings and Shanying International, have initiated multiple rounds of price hikes since August, with Nine Dragons implementing eight price increases [1]. - The average market price for AA-grade corrugated paper reached 2,789 RMB/ton by September 18, marking a 2.42% increase from the end of August and a 7.72% year-on-year rise [1]. - The combination of price increases and planned production halts during the holiday season aims to maintain a bullish market sentiment and encourage procurement from packaging factories [2]. Group 2: Demand and Supply Challenges - Despite a slight uptick in orders ahead of the holidays, the overall recovery in demand for packaging paper remains below expectations, with current price increases primarily driven by cost rather than demand [3]. - The packaging paper industry faces ongoing pressures, including an imbalance between supply and demand due to rapid capacity growth since 2012 and a slowdown in global economic growth [4]. Group 3: Industry Transformation and Future Outlook - The concept of "anti-involution" is seen as a potential key to achieving supply-demand balance in the packaging paper industry, shifting focus from quantity expansion to quality improvement [4]. - Industry leaders emphasize the need for differentiation in products and processes to escape low-price competition, with a focus on meeting customer needs through innovation [4]. - The implementation of new energy consumption standards in May 2025 is expected to drive technological upgrades and efficiency improvements within the industry [4]. - The process of capacity clearing and structural adjustment in the packaging paper industry is anticipated to take time, with price fluctuations and market competition playing a crucial role in achieving balance [5].